DOJ Launches Investigation into Colorado Corrections Facilities

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the practices of the Colorado Department of Corrections. This inquiry targets issues such as the treatment of inmates and the overall conditions within state prisons and juvenile facilities.

Key Focus Areas of the Investigation

The federal probe aims to ascertain whether the constitutional rights of inmates are being compromised. Specific areas of concern include:

• Excessive Force: Evaluating reports of brutality against inmates in both adult and juvenile facilities.
• Medical Care: Assessing whether inmates receive sufficient medical attention and care.
• Transgender Housing Policies: Investigating housing arrangements for transgender individuals within the correctional system.

Letter to Governor Polis

In a formal letter to Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the DOJ outlined that the investigation will scrutinize the “policies and practices” impacting adult inmates in 21 different correctional facilities, as well as youth in 12 juvenile detention centers. The goal is to ensure:

• Safe and sanitary living conditions for adult inmates.
• Protection for youth offenders from excessive force, along with adequate nutrition.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized, “The Constitution protects every American… We are committed to upholding our federal civil rights laws so that no one is subject to unconstitutional mistreatment when held in state custody.”

High-Profile Inmate: Tina Peters

One notable inmate in Colorado’s correctional system is Tina Peters, a former Mesa County Clerk. Peters is currently incarcerated at La Vista Correctional Facility after being sentenced to nine years for her role in accessing unauthorized election equipment.

Her attorney has raised concerns regarding her safety, claiming she has been assaulted by fellow inmates and requesting a transfer to a federal facility. This request has been denied multiple times. Former President Donald Trump has expressed interest in her case, calling for her transfer to federal custody, although he lacks the authority to intervene in state-level charges.

Investigation Highlights

The DOJ’s investigation not only looks at the treatment of inmates like Peters but also the broader implications of Colorado’s correctional practices. Here are some critical highlights:

• Transgender Inmate Policies: The DOJ will assess whether the Colorado Department of Corrections is violating the rights of prisoners by housing biological males in female-designated units, which could infringe on their free exercise of religion.
• Juvenile Facility Concerns: Reports from The Denver Post reveal alarming claims from parents regarding malnourishment among youth offenders and excessive use of force by staff.

Legislative Backing for the Investigation

The DOJ’s investigation is grounded in legal frameworks such as the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. Should investigators uncover constitutional violations, the DOJ plans to work collaboratively with the state to address these findings before resorting to litigation.

Conclusion

The opening of this investigation into Colorado’s corrections facilities serves as a crucial step towards ensuring the rights of incarcerated individuals are safeguarded. With issues such as excessive force and inadequate care under scrutiny, the results could lead to significant changes in how the state manages its correctional systems.

For ongoing updates and detailed analysis, keep an eye on the U.S. Department of Justice announcements and related news sources.